Jonathan Bailey, known for his role as Anthony Bridgerton in Bridgerton season 2, has proven that he is more than just a handsome leading man in historical romances with his latest project, Fellow Travelers. Although he has been acting since childhood, Bailey's international fame skyrocketed with his portrayal of Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix's period romance. However, his recent endeavors showcase his ability to deliver romance in diverse and intricate ways.

Fellow Travelers is a thrilling miniseries set to release in 2023, featuring Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey in the lead roles. Adapted from Thomas Mallon's 2007 novel, the story delves into the complex and enduring relationship between Bomer's Hawkins Fuller and Bailey's Tim Laughlin.

Spanning from the McCarthyism era of the 1950s to the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, their romance is a central focus of the book and the upcoming series. This marks Bailey's first role since Bridgerton season 2, and the contrast between the two projects, while both romantic at their core, is striking.

Although viewers were captivated by the romance between Kate Sharma and Anthony Bridgerton in Bridgerton season 2, Jonathan Bailey's portrayal of romance in Fellow Travelers is truly compelling. The key lies in its realism and seriousness.

While Bridgerton charms with its opulent costumes and dramatic moments, these elements sometimes detract from the show's realism. The passionate connection between Anthony and Kate, while alluring, may not resonate as deeply with audiences. Conversely, Hawkins and Tim's relationship in Fellow Travelers is far more engaging. Their romance explores themes of gender and sexuality, set against the backdrop of a time period that was not accepting of same-sex relationships. The constant danger they face lends relatability to LGBTQ audiences and adds an intriguing layer of complexity to their love story. Though it may lack the lightheartedness of Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers equals its passion and is enhanced by its serious circumstances. Overall, audiences are more likely to forge an emotional connection with Hawkins and Tim and their challenging situation, rather than Anthony and Kate.

The success of Fellow Travelers reaffirms that Jonathan Bailey's character, Anthony, should not reclaim the spotlight as a main character in Bridgerton season 3. Instead, Bailey should pursue more serious and multifaceted roles, as his performance in Fellow Travelers demonstrates his versatility. While it would be enjoyable to see Anthony's return, witnessing Bailey's range as an actor and discovering fresh content from him would be more gratifying.

With Fellow Travelers achieving a remarkable 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Bailey possesses the potential to become a major star, and it is advisable for him to continue his upward trajectory.

In conclusion, Jonathan Bailey's latest venture, Fellow Travelers, showcases his talent beyond the confines of the typical historical romance. His portrayal of complex relationships and the challenges faced by LGBTQ characters in earlier times is both engaging and thought-provoking. As Bailey's popularity soars, it is evident that he has the ability to embark on a successful career in a variety of genres, providing audiences with captivating performances and memorable characters.